An example of Learning based on competences: Use of Maxima in Linear Algebra for Engineers

This paper analyzes the role of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in a model of learning based on competences. The proposal is an e-learning model Linear Algebra course for Engineering, which includes the use of a CAS (Maxima) and focuses on problem solving. A reference model has been taken from the Spanish Open University. The proper use of CAS is defined as an indicator of the generic ompetence: Use of Technology. Additionally, we show that using CAS could help to enhance the following generic competences: Self Learning, Planning and Organization, Communication and Writing, Mathematical and Technical Writing, Information Management and Critical Thinking.

Differential algebra techniques for space applications

This project investigates the utility of differential algebra (DA) techniques applied to the problem of orbital dynamics with initial uncertainties in the orbital determination of the involved bodies. The use of DA theory allows the splitting of a common Monte Carlo simulation in two parts: the generation of a Taylor map of the final states with regard to the perturbation in the initial coordinates, and the evaluation of the map for many points. A propagator is implemented exploiting DA techniques, and tested in the field of asteroid impact risk monitoring with the potentially hazardous 2011 AG5 and 2007 VK184 as test cases. Results show that the new method is able to simulate 2.5 million trajectories with a precision good enough for the impact probability to be accurately reproduced, while running much faster than a traditional Monte Carlo approach (in 1 and 2 days, respectively).

Estudio y análisis de la adaptación del mobiliario universitario a los parámetros de accesibilidad universal y diseño para todos del edificio multidepartamental de la Universidad de Alcalá de Henares situado en Guadalajara. Aproximación a un modelo de fichas técnicas de diagóstico y control.

La sociedad y el mundo en general, en cuanto a la integración social de todos, han ido evolucionando favorablemente. La accesibilidad hoy en día ya no es un hecho que preocupe a una minoría, sino cada vez son más las personas que se dedican a que este desarrollo vaya por el buen camino. En este trabajo lo que se pretende es recoger las condiciones que deben tenerse en cuenta al proyectar, y sobre todo, las características que debe cumplir el mobiliario que vamos a escoger para nuestro edificio, de forma que facilitemos el uso del mismo a todas las personas, sea cual sea su condición, de una forma lo más autónoma, segura y confortable posible. Se presenta como ejemplo el Edificio Multidepartamental de la Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, situado en Guadalajara, sobre el que estudiaremos, mediante un modelo de fichas técnicas de diagnóstico y control, el mobiliario de las aulas, de la cafetería, los puntos de información, los espacios higiénico-sanitarios, el mobiliario urbano exterior y la señalización y paneles informativos. El mobiliario debe estar situado de forma que no entorpezca la circulación de los usuarios del centro y éste, debe poder ser utilizado por todos ellos, estudiantes con y sin discapacidad, profesores, etc.… Debe existir suficiente espacio alrededor de mesas y sillas para maniobrar y permitir la aproximación frontal de las personas en sillas de ruedas, también se debe evaluar la accesibilidad en aseos y baños, máquinas expendedoras….

Design of universal multicoset sampling patterns for compressed sensing of multiband sparse signals

Many problems in digital communications involve wideband radio signals. As the most recent example, the impressive advances in Cognitive Radio systems make even more necessary the development of sampling schemes for wideband radio signals with spectral holes. This is equivalent to considering a sparse multiband signal in the framework of Compressive Sampling theory. Starting from previous results on multicoset sampling and recent advances in compressive sampling, we analyze the matrix involved in the corresponding reconstruction equation and define a new method for the design of universal multicoset codes, that is, codes guaranteeing perfect reconstruction of the sparse multiband signal.

Más allá de Internet: La red Universal Digital

Con este artículo invitado vuelvo a Novática. después de 15 años,con el mensaje básico de que ahora, menos que nunca, podemos separar la infotecnología de la sociedad, idea que sin duda está en la mente de todos los infoprofesionales, pero a menudo sin un grado de convicción y concreción suficiente. En esta ocasión comparezco con el propósito de glosar brevemente una herramienta conceptual diseñada para ayudar a comprender globalmente la arquitectura de la infotecnología y algunas de las claves que determinan su impacto en el entorno social.

Beyond The Internet: The Digital Universal Network

Present world's realities, so deeply interconnected technified and hypercomplex, can only be understood by means of an interdisciplinary and systemic approach.

Internet, Red Universal Digital y evolución tecnosocial

Tres revoluciones. Hace sólo 550 años del libro impreso y ha marcado a la Humanidad multiplicando estratosféricamente la difusión del conocimiento. En la tercera es en la que estamos, aunque tendemos a exagerar diciendo que cada 2, 3 o 5 años hay una revolución tecnológica.

Sociedad del conocimiento y comunidades nootrópicas: hacia la Red Universal Digital

Los países más desarrollados realizan crecientemente sus actividades bajo la forma de una sociedad de la información, que puede ser al mismo tiempo el embrión de una sociedad del conocimiento.

Algunos aspectos éticos de la Red Universal Digital

Vivimos momentos de gran apelación verbal a principios éticos, (hay dinero ético y fondos de inversión éticos para tranquilizar la conciencia de vivir en sociedades de comportamiento poco ético) pero los hechos muestran que son malos tiempos para la ética (parafraseando la canción del grupo gallego Golpes Bajos, con el cantante Germán Coppini).

An universal system to de-orbit satellites at end of life

A 3-year Project financed by the European Commission is aimed at developing a universal system to de-orbit satellites at their end of life, as a fundamental contribution to limit the increase of debris in the Space environment. The operational system involves a conductive tapetether left bare to establish anodic contact with the ambient plasma as a giant Langmuir probe. The Project will size the three disparate dimensions of a tape for a selected de-orbit mission and determine scaling laws to allow system design for a general mission. Starting at the second year, mission selection is carried out while developing numerical codes to implement control laws on tether dynamics in/off the orbital plane; performing numerical simulations and plasma chamber measurements on tether-plasma interaction; and completing design of subsystems: electronejecting plasma contactor, power module, interface elements, deployment mechanism, and tether-tape/end-mass. This will be followed by subsystems manufacturing and by currentcollection, free-fall, and hypervelocity impact tests.

DERIVE and Linear Algebra

This work describes an experience with a methodology for learning based on competences in Linear Algebra for engineering students. The experience has been based in autonomous team work of students. DERIVE tutorials for Linear Algebra topics are provided to the students. They have to work with the tutorials as their homework. After, worksheets with exercises have been prepared to be solved by the students organized in teams, using DERIVE function previously defined in the tutorials. The students send to the instructor the solution of the proposed exercises and they fill a survey with their impressions about the following items: ease of use of the files, usefulness of the tutorials for understanding the mathematical topics and the time spent in the experience. As a final work, we have designed an activity directed to the interested students. They have to prepare a project, related with a real problem in Science and Engineering. The students are free to choose the topic and to develop it but they have to use DERIVE in the solution. Obviously they are guided by the instructor. Some examples of activities related with Orthogonal Transformations will be presented.

A toolbox with DERIVE: calculus on several variables, Applications of Computer Algebra

A toolbox is a set of procedures taking advantage of the computing power and graphical capacities of a CAS. With these procedures the students can solve math problems, apply mathematics to engineering or simply reinforce the learning of certain mathematical concepts. From the point of view of their construction, we can consider two types of toolboxes: (i) the closed box, built by the teacher, in which the utility files are provided to the students together with the respective tutorials and several worksheets with proposed exercises and problems,

Ciudadano Alberto Campo Baeza. Declaración Universal de los Derechos Urbanos

La Declaración Universal de los Derechos Urbanos es un proyecto hermano de UrbanLeaks, desarrollado por zuloark.